Stephen A. Smith didn’t need much convincing to unload on the Detroit Lions’ defense after Thursday night.
Through two games, Detroit has already allowed 71 points, and that was enough for Smith to make his case loud and clear on ESPN’s First Take on Friday. The Lions gave up 30 to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, then surrendered 41 more to the Bills, turning an early-season problem into a full-blown talking point.
“I’m not going to be apologetic about rooting for the brothers to succeed. I don’t want Kelvin Sheppard to fail, I want him to succeed as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions,” Smith said on Friday via First Take.
“But let’s put it in its proper perspective. In their first two games, they have given up 71 points, 10 touchdowns, 63 first downs, and 915 yards.
And we’re not through week two of the season. I mean d***, that’s very bad.
That’s very bad.”
Detroit’s offense did its part in the loss to Buffalo, but it wasn’t enough to cover for a defense that spent the night getting pushed around. The Bills jumped out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter and kept control from there, even as both teams traded touchdowns throughout the game.
Jared Goff turned in a big passing night, finishing 26 of 38 for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs handled the backfield work, rushing 16 times for 52 yards while also catching six passes for 61 yards and a score.
Amon-Ra St. Brown was electric again, piling up nine catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns. Sam LaPorta added six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown.
For Detroit, the challenge is obvious: the offense looks capable of carrying plenty, but the defense has to settle down fast. The Lions will try to answer at home in Week 3 against the New York Jets on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. ET.
In Other News...
Josh Allen Had Bills Fans Doing A Double Take On The Sideline
The Bills first regular-season game at their new Highmark Stadium already had the usual opening-day buzz, but Josh Allen added a moment that had fans doing a double take on the sideline. During the game against the Detroit Lions, the Buffalo quarterback was seen using smelling salts, a brief oddity in an afternoon that also carried the weight of a new era for the franchise.
Allen later gave reporters a peek at a pregame routine that is as unusual as it is specific, with vomiting, music and water all part of the mix. Coming in at 1-0 after the recent win over the Houston Texans, Buffalo had every reason to feel good about the start, even if its quarterback kept reminding everyone that his game-day preparation is still a little different from most. [Read more 🡒]
Josh Allen Played Through A Scare Before Buffalo's Biggest Win Yet
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Bills Passing Game Takes A Hit With DJ Moore Suddenly Out
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For a team trying to keep its offense moving, losing a receiver in that spot changes the feel of the game immediately. It leaves Buffalo waiting on word about the shoulder, while also forcing the staff to adjust on the fly against a Lions defense that had already seen enough of Moore to know how much of a factor he can be when he is on the field. [Read more 🡒]